Minimalist Wallet

[Leather20]

So I'm wanting to make a minimalist wallet. What weight leather should I use I have a 6-8oz but I'm worried that will be too thick. I'm also looking for a pattern if anyone knows of one I can get for free.

[garypl]

I wouldn’t use anything heavier than 3-4 oz.  if you want to keep the thickness down.  Tandy website should have some free patterns.

[battlemunky]

I'm in for 3-4 oz also. I've made a few with 5 oz and it gets bulky quick but if its minimal it still isn't too bad.

You don't really even need a template. Take your cards and stack them like you want to carry them and then add some allowance for stitching. It's basically squares and rectangles with a minimalist wallet. Google "free minimalist wallet pattern" and you should find plenty of options to suit your taste profile.

I've made a bunch of them, as have a lot of others here, so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[Leather20]

Thanks, how much allowance should I leave for seams? I always struggle with making my own patterns because I have either too much room or not enough room

[rleather]

3/4 OZ leather and try looking at Weaver leather they are sponsors of Corter leather . Corter has free patterns you can access on Weavers site. They are not free on there own site. I hope this helps.

[battlemunky]

40 minutes ago, Leather20 said:

Thanks, how much allowance should I leave for seams? I always struggle with making my own patterns because I have either too much room or not enough room

I usually leave 5 mm. Lay it out and figure out where your cards are going to be plus 2 mm on each side of the card to allow for the bend of the leather around the card, then 5 mm on that, then set your wing dividers at 3 or 4 mm depending on how confident you are with your measuring to mark your stitch line. Sizing = done. Then the rest is construction. If it will have a fold allow for 12-15 mm for that.

I use mm because its easier than fractions. 2 mm is ~ 1/16th in and 5 mm is ~ 1/4. I don't think you'll be short on either. If your cuts are good you may not need to trim/sand much at all but you'll have 3 or 4 mm in order to if needed.

Edited October 22, 2020 by battlemunky

[zuludog]

I would use 1,2 to 1,6mm thick = 3 to 4oz leather

Search YouTube for making a wallet. There are loads of videos of all types, several have downloadable free patterns

[Handstitched]

@Leather20 Not sure if kangaroo leather is available where you are, but thats what I  often use for making simple wallets. Easy to cut and easy to sew by hand or machine. ( I've just ordered some more)   Or alternatively, I have used goat skins. Similar in thickness , and come in many colours.

A simple wallet is all  that people want a lot of the time . I've seen  customers wallets as thick as a paving bricks , and so badly out of shape .

Hope all goes well for you  

HS 

 

[Tugadude]

3 hours ago, Handstitched said:

@Leather20 Not sure if kangaroo leather is available where you are, but thats what I  often use for making simple wallets. Easy to cut and easy to sew by hand or machine. ( I've just ordered some more)   Or alternatively, I have used goat skins. Similar in thickness , and come in many colours.

A simple wallet is all  that people want a lot of the time . I've seen  customers wallets as thick as a paving bricks , and so badly out of shape .

Hope all goes well for you  

HS 

 

I echo the recommendation on kangaroo leather.  I think it is perfect for wallets, especially minimalist ones.  I prefer my own wallets as thin as possible, so I generally look for the 3oz. and under.  Depending on the specific application as little as 1.5oz.  

It is fun to experiment with minimalist designs.  Amazing how many different ways there are to tackle the challenge of getting more from less.

Just search for "minimalist leather wallet" and bask in the variety.

[Dwight]

Several years back . . . in a Tandy shop . . . a fellow came in wanting someone to make him a wallet.  The manager sent him over to me as I just happened to be there.

The story was his daughter had bought him a wallet some 25 years before . . . it was now worn out . . . he needed as near as possible an exact replacement.  

I looked at it . . . saw it was very simple . . . we agreed on the terms . . . he unloaded the wallet and gave it to me for a pattern . . . and away we went . . . the finished product was sent to him a couple weeks later . . . and I got a very pleasant thank you note from him.

This is the "practice piece" I did just to get the feel of it.

It is a trifold . . . couple of pockets on each side . . . with a bill holder in the middle.

May God bless,

Dwight